Beech Bottom, WV: High Radon Risk — 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Public water data for Beech Bottom, WV reveals a split picture — tap water quality varies meaningfully by service area and the city's grade reflects that variability.
How Beech Bottom Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Beech Bottom Water
- Average lead level: 0.0003 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 95% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.93 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Beech Bottom
2 independent water providers serve Beech Bottom, WV — 2 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Beech Bottom, West Virginia (population ~588), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 2,796 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Beech Bottom — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Beech Bottom: C (66/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Beech Bottom water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0003 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26030 | C | HAMMOND PSD | 2,186 |
All ZIP Codes in Beech Bottom
- 26030 [C]
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Health Outcomes in Beech Bottom
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Housing & Infrastructure in Beech Bottom
With 95% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Because the majority of Beech Bottom's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1942 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in Beech Bottom were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Beech Bottom Homeowners
Viewed from a financial planning lens, Beech Bottom sits in the moderate remediation-share tier — the equity impact of addressing documented issues is real, and deliberate preparation separates smooth outcomes from disruptive ones for most homeowners.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Beech Bottom. The estimated $800–$1,500 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 53% below the West Virginia average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Beech Bottom
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Even where utility-side monitoring meets Lead and Copper Rule requirements, the 95% pre-rule share in Beech Bottom keeps interior-plumbing variation as a household-level question that aggregate data cannot resolve.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Beech Bottom
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 95% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Beech Bottom, WV